Anguished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
đą
anguished
[ËĂŠĆÉĄwÉȘÊt ]
Definitions
feeling
Experiencing or expressing severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
Synonyms
agonized, suffering, tormented.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| anguished |
Used when describing a deep emotional pain or distress, often seen in literature or dramatic contexts.
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| tormented |
Implies severe and prolonged suffering, often with a sense of being mentally or emotionally plagued, and is frequently used to describe characters in literature or historical figures.
|
| suffering |
Describes ongoing pain or distress, either physical or emotional, and is commonly used in both everyday and medical contexts.
|
| agonized |
Refers to intense physical or mental suffering, typically used to depict severe pain or a difficult decision-making process.
|
Examples of usage
- She let out an anguished cry.
- The anguished expression on his face was heart-wrenching.
action
Showing an acute awareness of one's own deficiencies or of the limitations of one's circumstances.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| anguished |
Used to describe extreme mental or emotional pain, often in dramatic or serious situations.
|
| agonize |
Refers to the act of suffering intense mental or physical pain, often while trying to make a difficult decision.
|
| worry |
Used to describe a general state of concern or anxiety over potential problems or uncertainties.
|
| stew |
Implies feeling worried or agitated over something, often in a less serious or more colloquial context.
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Examples of usage
- He anguished over his decision for days.
- She anguished over the loss of her loved one.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Experiencing this emotion can be a response to loss, trauma, or deep disappointment.
- It often coexists with other feelings like fear or anxiety, creating a complex emotional state.
Literature
- Many poets and novelists use this term to convey deep emotional turmoil, often illustrating the human condition.
- Notable works, such as Shakespeare's plays, explore themes of heartache and despair, infusing characters with this profound feeling.
Pop Culture
- Songs often express this emotion, using lyrics that resonate with personal suffering, allow listeners to connect deeply.
- Movies depicting heart-wrenching stories often emphasize this feeling, drawing audiences into the characters' pain.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have long debated the nature of suffering, often linking this feeling as a key component of the human experience.
- Existentialists view this emotion as a necessary part of life, prompting individuals to confront their realities and search for meaning.
Origin of 'anguished'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'anguish', meaning 'to choke' or 'to strangle', reflecting the tightness of emotion.
- In Old French, 'angoisse' referred to mental or physical distress, showing the historical connection to suffering.
The word 'anguished' originated from the Old French word 'anguisse', which in turn came from the Latin word 'angustia' meaning 'tightness' or 'distress'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of extreme mental or physical suffering, reflecting the deep emotional turmoil experienced by individuals in distressing situations.
See also: anguish.